Written answers

Wednesday, 3 February 2021

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Human Rights

Photo of Cian O'CallaghanCian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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334. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the actions he is taking to ensure the international community provides direct humanitarian assistance to organisations assisting Syrian refugees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5679/21]

Photo of Colm BrophyColm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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March 2021 will mark the tenth year of the Syrian conflict that has seen hundreds of thousands lose their lives, and over half the population flee their homes. More than 13 million people are in humanitarian need inside Syria and six million of these have been internally displaced. The war has also caused the biggest refugee movement from a single conflict in a generation, with almost seven million people having fled the country with over 80% staying within the region.

The unprecedented political, economic and social situation across the region, in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenges, has underscored the need for sustained support for refugees. Despite the challenges brought by these trends, throughout nearly a decade of displacement, host countries, institutions, and communities continue to provide asylum and services to Syrian refugees, and refugees of other nationalities.

In the period 2012-2020, Ireland has provided over €168 million in humanitarian aid, including over €25 million provided in 2020, to those affected by the conflict in Syria and the region - our largest ever response to any single crisis. In 2021 we will continue our strong commitment in support of Syrian refugees. 

Ireland’s support is channelled through a range of partners including non-governmental organisations, UN organisations and the EU Facility for Refugees in Turkey. These partners provide those most in need with humanitarian supplies and access to urgently-needed health, education, water, and sanitation services to ensure that Syrians affected by the crisis, including those who have been forced to flee their homes, are supported to meet their own critical needs. Through our annual contributions to the EU Institutions, Ireland also supports the EU’s humanitarian response; the EU has mobilised more than €20 billion since 2012 for assistance to support Syrians inside the country and in the region. 

As a member of the Security Council since 1 January, Ireland has a specific responsibility regarding Syria, leading on the humanitarian file along with Norway. We will work to ensure that the critical humanitarian assistance, provided by the UN and its partners, continues to reach all those most in need and at the required level.

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